The frugal new Ford Fiesta

Petrol

While the petrol new Fiesta on the 350-mile event was turbo-charged and boasted 125PS, smooth driving techniques sealed an average 97mpg – blitzing the previous 84mpg record and crowning it new Petrol Champion.

Diesel

The diesel new Fiesta beat the 108.8mpg benchmark set five years ago by the prior Ford supermini by pushing the record up to 122mpg to take Overall Champion title.

Hypermilers

Ex-works rally team Andy Dawson and Andrew Marriott drove the petrol Fiesta and journalist Paul Clifton with Ian McKean piloted the diesel. Both six-speed cars were coaxed to exceed their official mpg numbers by 48.3 and 51.2 per cent respectively.

Eco-Driving Tips

They followed six simple Ford eco-driving tips which can help all drivers save fuel – and money:

When accelerating, select higher gears as early as possible. Ford models have gear-shift indicators to optimise gear selection

Impact

Andy Dawson, Ford lead driver on the MPG Marathon, said: “Maximising fuel economy not only saves money, but smooth driving can also be fun thanks to the new Fiesta’s brilliant steering and suspension. Using less fuel also means reduced emissions, limiting motorists’ environmental impact.”

Best-Seller

The all-new Ford Fiesta has been on sale since July, with over 15,000 sold to date. The UK favourite has been Britain’s best seller every year since 2008.

Advanced

Kevin Griffin, Ford of Britain sales director, said: “Congratulations to our professional ‘hypermilers’ for demonstrating how well the new Fiesta responds to frugal motoring. The Fiesta has earned its high place in the sales charts by being outstanding in so many areas – technologically advanced, well styled inside and out, safe and affordable – with green also guaranteed.”